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Solomons rolls out new internet infrastructure

The Solomon Islands Government says it's laying down the infrastructure that could help provide internet to the country's most remote regions.

Damien Larkins, file photo: ABC News

The Solomon Islands has undertaken its largest communications project ever, with a multimillion dollar revamp to its government internet network.

The Metro Area Network will link 26 government ministries with about 80 sites to facilitate communication between public servants.

Australian company CBO Telecommunications, which was awarded the $AU3.25 million contract, said the network will help the government improve efficiency and enable it to rollout new technology.

"The connection between civil servants is [currently] ad hoc at best. So this will give them real-time connectivity, allowing them to rollout consistent applications," director Mark McGregor told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat program.

Mr McGregor said the project, which will initially only include the capital Honiara, could lead to similar infrastructure projects around the country.

The installation is expected to be complete by March 2013, followed by a three-year maintenance and support agreement.

Sammie Wa'ahero, from the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, said the network could be expanded to include the general population.

"We've taken into account the vast population out there in the provinces in designing this project. Very soon we'll be having a submarine cable that's coming in, so when the right infrastructure is there we believe people out in the provinces will benefit," he said.